Visiting Kadena Air Base

Whether visiting for work, friends or family, the 18th Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center, located at the entrance of Kadena's Gate 1, should be the first stop for those needing access to the base. Handling everything from visitors passes to restricted area badges, the Airmen working at the VCC want to be of service. To save time and unnecessary trips, this page is dedicated to outlining all the appropriate paperwork needed for different types of passes, badges and permits.

Status of Forces Agreement Permits

A Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Permit stands as a contract of sorts between the Government of Japan and the United States allowing licensed military members, DoD civilians and their families to drive while stationed in Japan. The Schilling Community Center provides the required courses for both currently licensed drivers and family members that may not have a stateside license or SOFA Permit yet. For more information on the initial licensing requirements, please visit the Schilling Community Center on Kadena. For all other SOFA related inquiries, review the below links.

For first time issue, all personnel must register between 0700 - 0800 every Wednesday (except Federal Holidays) at the Schilling Community Center, and attend the Wing Safety Briefing at 1230 on the same day at the same location.

Orders/LOE stating your DEROS (We DO NOT use the date on your common access card)

Valid state side Driver’s License/Certificate from Schilling Center (MUST BE ON PERSON AT ALL TIMES WHEN DRIVING)

Restricted Area Badge Info

There are several types of Restricted Area Badges (RABs). Each badge is tied to an individual person and is required when entering certain areas within buildings, the flightline or munitions storage areas. For information and forms, check the below links and select the option best suited for you.